With a Smile and a Song

Yes, I know. More October Afternoon papers. I think this is my most used paper brand! I used the ever popular grid paper as the base and then followed with matching graphic papers.

The notepads and pens really come in handy when you need a gift set, they never fail to delight. I made this as a surprise, so I hope it goes over well once it's received. They are so fun to decorate. Thinking I might have to make one for myself. LOL

The sentiment is from Paper Makeup Stamps, I just love the font. Plus, it goes with so many of the fairies, especially Melody. I rolled and stuffed some grid paper in the barrel of the pen so it matches the notepad, adding the ribbon to the cap.

PMS Sponsored 2S4Y

Paper Makeup Stamps is sponsoring the 2 Sketches for You challenge this week. I loved the sketch, it was quite the challenge.

I used Dandy Wishes and a beautiful piece of word art. The papers are from Basic Grey, I love them! I only added a few touches of color, the maraschino/white twine from The Twinery, the red gems in the flower centers, and the aqua flag.

Be sure to stop over to the 2S4Y blog to see the sketch. I hope you can find time to play along, there are prizes up for grabs!

Because of You

This is for the fifth and final Verve Anniversary sketch challenge, AVS2010E. I used Because of You and the sentiment is one that received in one of my orders. Yes, that's more October Afternoon paper, I may put it away for a while (or maybe not). But, I do love it so and I have to use some of it up before more gets here.

Don't ya just love the frilliness of those flowers? They look so delicate and sweet. Liquid pearls were added in each of the scallops for a little more interest and dimension since this one fell a little flat.

One Person

This is for the fourth Verve Anniversary sketch challenge, AVS2010D. I went really simple with this one, opting for a monochromatic card. The large quote is from One Person, the sentiment from Blessings.

I was initially very intimidated by this sketch, but in the end, I am happy with how it turned out. I love that the quote takes center stage and all the other elements are there to enhance it.

Hang In There

This is my take on the third Verve Anniversary sketch challenge, AVS2010C. I used Always on my Mind, a whimsical set perfect for letting people know you are thinking about them. I used a variety of October Afternoon papers, I promise you'll get a break from them eventually. It has just been wonderful to make a dent in all the scraps I have; my expanding folder is getting a little too full.

I decided to go a little bright and colorful with this one, the others are much more subdued. The hanging flowers were colored with copics. And, I use my beloved jumbo scallop die-namics for the scallops on the side.

I am hoping this week continues to go by quickly, so excited to chill out for the weekend. Things at work are going to be getting stressful as the deadlines loom over us, so I want to make sure to get plenty of rest so I can be ready. LOL And, the weather is cooling off a little, we want to get out and enjoy it.

Blue Skies

This is for the second Verve Anniversary sketch challenge, AVS2010B. I used an assortment of October Afternoon papers (sick of them yet?) with Blue Skies. I had yet to use the butterfly image, it's so beautiful! You can just barely see the sentiment in the photo, the ink photographed so light.

The panel under the image was embossed using a polka dot folder, super cute. The flower was punched and then I added a pearl to the center.

Smiling

This is for the first Verve Anniversary sketch challenge, AVS2010A. I used some October Afternoon papers with Blue Skies and One Person. I had been dying to use the swirly circle image since I got the set, but it always eluded me.

I used a ton of layers on this one, and the new Die-Namics Chain Link die....{heart} it! I also used a few gems to fancy it up.

Another weekend just flew by; Monday seems to always come too fast! Here's hoping the week goes by as fast.

Makeup for the Weekend Challenge, M4TW39

It's Friday, Woo Hoo! Not only am I ready for the weekend, but it also means there's another edition of the Makeup for the Weekend challenge. Christi Snow is challenging us to use 4 embellishments on our card AND the main image panel has to be a circle.

So, I pulled out some of the last of my October Afternoon Report Card papers, I will miss it when it's gone.

The sentiment and image are from Nature's Song; I had forgotten how much I loved this set. The bird was inked and then stamped off once before being stamped on the grid paper. I added 4 gems to the main panel, right above the sentiment just to dress it up a bit and, of course, to fulfill the requirements of the challenge. I have to say that this is one of my favorite cards I have made in a while.

We do hope you will join us for the Makeup for the Weekend challenge. When you upload, please use the keyword M4TW39 and link it to the PMS Blog so we can take a look. You don't have to use a Paper Makeup Stamps image, but if you have them we love to see them.

Get Well, MTSC86

If you know my obsession with coffee/ tea themed sets, you know that I had to get this set, A Cuppa, from The Cat's Pajamas. I also used Mercy's sketch from last week, MTSC86, for the layout. Still using up some October Afternoon papers, my how I love 'em.

It's been another long, crazy week at work; I am so happy that tomorrow is Friday. I can hardly wait for it to slow down a little bit so I can catch my breath; I just haven't been able to keep up lately.

Being Cute

ETA: This card made it onto the MFT blog as a Favorite Find. Totally made my week!

These Pure Innocence girls just steal my heart, she's so stinkin' adorable. This one is Being Cute is What I Do, she's adorable. I paired her up with some delish papers from October Afternoon and just lightly embellished since the card is full of layers.

I am so excited to be picking up our "new to us" living room furniture this weekend. I am trying to get Duke inspired to paint, but it's a tough sell. Maybe once we get it situated, he'll see we need to. I am hoping to do an accent wall, perhaps in a pumpkin or spice color.

Back to School Notepad

I made this to give to Cody's teacher, it matches the card I made her. I found out that he has the same teacher this year as he had in 2nd grade. I hope her attitude has improved since then, or it's gonna be a long year. She's good, I just don't care for her much. Guess that doesn't matter, all that matters is that my son does well and learns what he's supposed to; she doesn't have to be my friend.

These notepads are always a big hit and I really like to make them. In fact, all the girls in Cody's class have requested one. Unfortunately for them, that is NOT gonna happen. LOL

The stamps are from School Time, I love this set although at first glance I didn't think I'd need it. I used them in conjunction with some October Afternoon papers fitting for the theme.

The apple has Glossy Accents on it, but it's hard to tell from the photo. The button was threaded with twine and then attached with a glue dot. Lastly, the pen was decorated with matching papers.

An Official Thank You

I took some time the day after Cody's party to finish up some Thank You cards for party attendees and those that provided gifts. This is for my very good friend from work, she got Cody some Silly Bandz, they are all the rage! I didn't think he would get caught up in it, but his whole crowd is crazy for them.

I used the bingo card and sentiment from It's Official; we were bingo playing fools at the party! The tag (an RAK from Stef H) was decorated with the elementary lines from School Time, then threaded with some Peapod baker's twine from The Twinery. I love the way this turned out.

On another note, our dinner gathering to celebrate all the birthdays (for Duke's family) in August went so well. We had a beautiful spiral sliced ham with mashed potatoes, cole slaw, green bean casserole, corn on the cob and dinner rolls. For starters, I just put out some homemade artichoke spread and a relish tray. Finally, for dessert, we served Oreo and Chocolate Cream pie. I enjoy cooking for Duke's family, they are more adventurous eaters than my own. *Secretly grateful for leftovers!*

Color It the Makeup for the Weekend Challenge

It's Friday and that means another Makeup for the Weekend challenge. Bonnie has given us a color challenge this week: turquoise, lime green, and kraft with a choice of black or white as a neutral. I normally dislike color challenges, but since this is a bright combo, it was right up my alley.

I used the new set, Color It- Summer, released last Saturday and the sentiment is one you get for FREE just by placing an order this month. I love the open line art and the larger size of the components of the set. The tone on tone action really makes for a striking, but subdued card. It also helped to have a simple design.

We hope you can find time to play along with us. Just be sure to use the keyword M4TW38 when you upload. Then, link it to the Paper Makeup Stamps blog so we can have a look see.

PMS August Review- Color It!

Today, we are reviewing the Color It-Summer set from Paper Makeup Stamps; this set was released on August 7th.

I adore the open lines and it looks like little doodles too, which makes for a touch of whimsy. Here, I stamped the daisy outline in red and then the leaves in a pear color. The butterfly was then colored and punched out, I added stickles to each of the dots for a little sparkle. I thought coloring the butterfly really made it pop against the open flower panel.

This set really is versatile and since the images are a little larger, they are also perfect for scrapbook pages. This is a new go-to set for me!

You definitely need to take a peek at the PMS blog to see how the other ladies used this set, pure inspiration!

Welcome Back

I knew I wanted to play along with last week's Mojo Monday sketch, MOJO150. After all, a prize is attached! But, besides that little bit of goodness, the sketches are always so fun.

Monday started the first day of school, which is actually more of a registration and orientation day than anything else. Today starts the beginning of the school year and I am excited for all that Cody will learn this year.

I used some October Afternoon papers from the Report Card pack, perfect for a back to school card. Then, I pulled out Verve's Blue Skies and American Hero stamp sets to complete the school theme.

I made a matching notepad and pen; promise to share that soon. So cute!

Three Scoops...ahhh

I was thrilled to hear that I won Glitterbabe's challenge #4, very exciting. And, I got to choose two of her digital images (you MUST check them out) and she sent some fun stuff to me in the mail. Thanks so much Stef!

So, for all her generosity and kindness, I wanted to participate in her challenge again this week, it's challenge 6. It's a color challenge, they are a HUGE challenge for me.

I used the Ice Cream Sundae image, coloring them to match the papers I chose to work with. I added some Crystal Effects to the sundae cup and some stickles to the purple stripes of the straw.

I stamped the sentiment from Freckled Lemonade on a portion of a label die, I like how it looks at the bottom of the card.

Cody's Birthday Card

Since we went with a tropical theme for the party, it was only fitting to incorporate the colors for Cody's card. I went very CAS with this card.

The party went well, everyone seemed to have a good time. And, except for the heat, it couldn't have been a more perfect day. Of course, I tend to get teary-eyed and nostalgic when I remember the day he was born, but I try not to put a damper on the day. LOL

The pic above is of Cody and his friend putting on their hula skirts. They were a little sticky because of the heat, so they didn't stay on long.

Here he is with Victoria, his cousin. They were calling the bingo games, they had a blast being in charge of something. Poor fella, you can see how hot he was by his cheeks. They were all running around like wild animals.

All in all, it was a great day. I am still exhausted!

PMS August Release Blog Hop

Before I get on with my post, I want to wish my son, Cody, a very Happy 9th Birthday! We are going to party down later this afternoon!

Today is the day you can buy all the goodies you've seen us peek this week. This is another great release, every month seems to be my new favorite.

If you have arrived here from our Guest Designer (Simone Clay) SemSee's blog, great. If not, you might want to start at the beginning to start collecting this month's code that gets you 15% off all the new releases.

I used this beautiful piece of word art with some equally beautiful papers from My Mind's Eye Lush collection. I love the font that was used and the quote is a classic, don't you agree?!

If you've been paying attention, you'll know that the letter I have for you is:

Now, make sure you hop on over to see Christi Snow, she never fails to impress. And, don't forget to keep grabbing letters.

The Release Party starts tonight at 9:00 pm EST in the Paper Makeup Stamps Forum. It always promises to be a good time.

Green Tea SFYTT

I used Jen's SFYTT and paired it with PTI's Tea for Two set. I love the matching dies, makes cutting out the shapes soooo much easier.

The papers are from Basic Grey's Kioshi line, so soft and pretty. The buttons were threaded with Lilac twine from The Twinery. I love their bright, bold color selection.

I don't have an assignment today, but there are more peeks at the PMS blog, so stop by there to see them and to see how you can win today's set....it's another must have.

And, our Release Party is tomorrow night in the Paper Makeup Stamps Forum. The fun starts at 9:00 m EST; it's always alot of fun, we have a great group of gals join each month.

August PMS Sneak Peeks, Day 3

Here we are already at Day Three of the August Sneak Peeks for Paper Makeup Stamps. Katie made the popular Home Matters set into rubber, it was previously only available in digital format.

I totally love this sentiment because it speaks the truth on so many levels. I'm not sure you can tell, but both of the main papers I used are woodgrain....score! I love it when that happens!

Now, head on over to the PMS blog to see what the other Makeup Artists did with this fabulous set and to see how you can win it for yourself.

Remember, we have a Release Party in the Paper Makeup Stamps Forum on August 7th. The fun starts at 9pm EST; we'd love for you to join us.

Puddle Fairy, Boy Style

Today is the 2nd day of August Sneak Peeks for Paper Makeup Stamps. I don't have an assignment using today's stamps, but I wanted to use this cute little puddle Fairy named Seth. Seth was named after Lisa's little boy who loves to play in puddles.

I used some neglected SEI papers, so soft against the image. I then added just a touch of piercing along the edge of the circle.

Be sure to head over to the PMS blog to see what is being featured today, you might even win them!

And, don't forget that we have the Release Party on August 7th in the Paper Makeup Stamps Forum. The fun starts at 9:00 pm EST. It's always a good time and Katie is very generous with the prizes, hope you can join us.

August PMS Sneak Peeks, Day 1

Today starts the fun of sneaking peeks of the August release. We're starting off with the fairies! This li'l cutie is Leigh, looks like she's having a blast splashing in that puddle.

I paired her up with some beautiful papers from the My Mind's Eye Quite Contrary line; it is such a fabulous line. Her billowing skirt is so fun to color! I made sure to add some sparkle to her wings using Shimmerz, then added some clear dew drops around the oval shape. No rainboots would be complete without the high shine of Glossy Accents.

This sweetheart might even be my new favorite fairy, I love her! Be sure to head on over to the PMS blog to see all the other fairies and to find out how you can win them!

The Release Party is on August 7th {Cody's birthday!} and starts at 9pm EST in the Paper Makeup Stamps Forum. We always have such a wonderful time, PMS fans are the best!

CASEing Dawn

I was so inspired by a card in this post from Dawn McVey, that I had to make one for myself. I used different colors and a few different stamps, but I am still happy with the way it turned out. I went with some bright colors, grounding it with a whole lotta white.

This weekend was quite a blur! I am ready for the short work week, but I'll be "working" twice as hard on the party prep. I can hardly wait for all the fun.

Tomorrow is the first day of PMS Sneak Peeks, so stay tuned!